Updating the rules for skin cancer checks

Some countries use the International Maximum Residue Limits -Codex Alimentarius to define the residue limits; this was established by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963 to develop international food standards, guidelines codes of practices, and recommendation for food safety.Currently the CODEX has 185 Member Countries and 1 member organization (EU).However, in 1946, people started to resist to the widespread use of pesticides, especially DDT since it harms non-target plants and animals.

Depending on the claims made we will always seek to find the most relevant expert, and the list will be updated accordingly. This panel of experts advises the ASA, Clearcast and Radiocentre.

It provides advice on the adequacy of evidence supporting claims in ads both before an ad appears and afterwards if the claims are challenged.

A pesticide is a substance or a mixture of substances used for killing pests: organisms dangerous to cultivated plants or to animals.

The term applies to various pesticides such as insecticide, fungicide, herbicide and nematocide.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand develops the standards for levels of pesticide residues in foods through a consultation process.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority publishes the maximum limits of pesticide residues for foods produced in New Zealand.

However, we recognise that there are operational reasons that may govern the choice of an expert in some circumstances.

Advertisers and their agencies should not approach the panel directly for any queries they may have.

Pre-harvest intervals are also set to require a crop or livestock product not be harvested before a certain period after application in order to allow the pesticide residue to decrease below maximum residue limits or other tolerance levels.

Likewise, restricted entry intervals are the amount of time to allow residue concentrations to decrease before a worker can reenter an area where pesticides have been applied without protective equipment.

These should continue to be channelled through the appropriate organisation.